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Dragons rookie tests positive to steroid

St George Illawarra Under-20s player Dylan Lauri has been suspended by the NRL after testing positive to a banned steroid.

According to a statement released by the game's governing body on Friday, Lauri's A-sample tested positive to metabolites of Nandrolone.

As per the NRL's anti-doping policy chief operating officer Jim Doyle said Lauri has been stood down.

Lauri has been provisionally suspended from training and playing with the Dragons until the matter is resolved.

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Lauri played seven National Youth Competition games with the Dragons this season and club chief executive Peter Doust said he was aware of the development.

"This advice from the NRL came as a complete surprise to us and we would be extremely disappointed if a player has acted outside the systems, guidance and education provided by the club and NRL," Doust said in a statement.

"Dylan has participated in anti-doping education as well as further internal information sessions delivered by our high performance staff.

"We fully support the NRL's position and decision."

The Dragons said they had complied with NRL rules and policies in regard to supplements and medications provided by the club.

The B-sample is yet to be tested and the Dragons said Lauri has the opportunity to work through a documented process and the club will monitor his welfare.